St. John takes
us on a journey into ourselves, a journey of knowledge and self
understanding, that encompasses our failings and imperfections.
It shows us how in a place beyond words we can embrace sadness
and grief, and seeking God, our lives will be turned around. He
describes the "arid and dark night of contemplation" which leads
us to "the knowledge of oneself and of one's misery." True knowledge
of our self and our condition shows how far we must go to find
God, who our restless hearts incessantly seek.

The Dark
Night of the Soul describes how first the senses, and then the
spirit undergo a series of purgation, which aids in bringing it
closer to God, and eventually preparing it for union with Him.
The individual soul seeks Jesus in a mystical marriage. For after
the dark night, comes the joy of mystical union with God.